March 21, 2026 Issue, Page 13 of 14

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 • 13 SENATE NOTES FROM SEN. BRENT HOWARD | MARCH 13, 2026 When I first ran for elected office, I set three main legislative goals that I wanted to accomplish for the bene- fit of Senate District 38. The first was along with a bill I recently passed through the Senate Energy Com- mittee, help move the state toward that goal. After years of work on this compromise that provides everyone with a more accurate picture of how much water is being used each year and how much remains. Department of Transportation an- nounced a $76 million interchange improvement project on I-40 in Clinton. That work will continue CBA to make Burns Flat a destination for issue, I advanced Senate Bill 259, The Senate also passed legis- over the next couple of years. permanent aerospace operations which would task the Oklahoma lation this week that directs the In addition to these initial goals, to bring new jobs and economic Water Resources Board with over- OWRB to establish a new water and I have worked on many other issues growth to southwest Oklahoma. seeing reforms to ensure non-do- wastewater investment program to throughout my time at the Capitol. I Over the past eight years, that mestic groundwater users report support critical infrastructure im- truly feel that we have accomplished goal has started to finally develop. accurate data on water usage. With provements across the state. This so much over the last nearly eight There have been several test launch- better reporting, the OWRB will program would offer competitive years, and our area has more po- es of rockets from Burns Flat as have a more complete picture of loans to municipalities, rural water tential for economic growth than multiple companies have utilized groundwater availability and be able districts, irrigation districts and oth- ever before. As I approach the end the spaceport within the past year. to make a more accurate determina- er entities seeking to upgrade local of my term in the Senate, I want to Premium Aerospace Company has tion of availability and proportion- water or wastewater systems. This thank you all for your support and also set up major operations on-site, ate shares. comes as the OWRB estimates that for letting me know about other is- completely revamping one of the As droughts intensify and in- more than $24 billion in infrastruc- sues where I have been able to help old hangars into a state-of-the-art vasive species — like red cedars ture improvements will be needed all constituents. facility through more than $20 mil- and salt-cedar trees — soak up by 2030 to meet demands statewide. To contact me at the Capitol, lion in improvements. thousands of gallons of water, this The final goal I set when I first please write to Senator Brent How- My second main goal was to in- natural resource has become in- sought elected office was to im- ard, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln crease investments in water infra- creasingly scarce, especially across prove traffic patterns in Clinton and Blvd. Room 427, Oklahoma City, structure and improve water man- this district and other parts of rural make it easier to get on and off the OK, 73105, email me at Brent.How- agement in western Oklahoma and Oklahoma. I’ve worked on this leg- highway along one of the busiest [email protected], or call (405) 521- throughout the state. Legislation islation with groundwater and sur- corridors in western Oklahoma. 5612. the Senate advanced this past week, face water irrigators to negotiate a Earlier this year, the Oklahoma CANUTE Congratulations to Nate Bryant (3rd Place) and Clay Randall (1st Place) medaling at the Burns Congratulations to Maci Loyd on her 4th place finish at the Burns Flat Golf Invitational. The Troja- Flat Golf Invitational. The Trojan Golf Team repre- nette squad represented Canute in fantastic form! Go Trojanettes! sented Canute in fantastic form today. Go Trojans! Congratulations to Colt Shelton on placing 3rd with a score of 42 at the Way to go junior high track! very windy Navajo JH Golf Tournament held in Altus. Fairview track meet results: Sonya- 4th 300 hurdles, Maddox- 3rd 300 hurdles & 2nd 1600, Graham M- 4th Long Jump Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze We proudly support the students, Call For Pricing! Parts staff and administration Available! at Canute Schools 580-225-6554 ~ Great Plains Bank One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 ~ First National Bank OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City Josh Moran President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 580-225-0191 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 MORAN SERVING www.elkcitycoop.com banksovereign.com | Member FDIC EQUIPMENT Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico www.moranequipment.com Have an awesome shot to share? Email the photo to [email protected] with a description and it could be featured in an upcoming edition!